LA MOLINA, Spain, American rider Tejay Van Garderen of the BMC team won Thursday’s fourth stage of the Tour of Catalonia over 188.4km between Tona and the ski resort of La Molina.

Van Garderen clocked 5hr 6min 36sec to finish three seconds ahead of Australian Richie Porte of Sky with Spaniard Alberto Contador third, at eight seconds.

Belgian Bart de Clerq of the Lotto team took the overall race lead ahead of Friday’s 195.4km fifth stage between Alp and Valls.

Results from the 188.4km fourth stage of the Tour of Catalonia from Tona to La Molina on Thursday:

Stage

1. Tejay Van Garderen (USA/BMC) 5hr 00min 36sec, 2. Richie Porte (AUS) at 0:03sec, 3. Alberto Contador (ESP) 0:08, 4. Daniel Martin (IRL) s.t., 5. Wilco Kelderman (NED) s.t., 6. Darwin Atapuma (COL) 0:11, 7. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA) 0:15, 8. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) 0:19, 9. Vasili Kiryienka (BLR) 0:21, 10. Rafael Valls (ESP) 0:21

Overall standings

1. Bart De Clercq (BEL/LOT) 18hr 32min 02sec, 2. Richie Porte (AUS) at 0:21sec, 3. Domenico Pozzovivo (ITA) 0:26, 4. Daniel Martin (IRL) 0:27, 5. Alberto Contador (ESP) 0:28, 6. Rigoberto Uran (COL) 0:45, 7. Fabio Aru (ITA) 0:48, 8. Wilco Kelderman (NED) 0:51, 9. Alejandro Valverde (ESP) 0:52, 10. Darwin Atapuma (COL) 0:54.